Update: NIU student facing criminal charges banned from campus

NIU spokesperson said Chicago teenager under official review as he faces additional charges

SYCAMORE – A Northern Illinois University student facing gun charges was in court for a second day Tuesday after additional charges had been filed.

Cinque C. Simmons, 19, of the 9200 block of South Pleasant Avenue, Chicago, appeared in DeKalb County court Tuesday morning in front of Judge Phillip Montgomery via closed-circuit television from DeKalb County jail Tuesday.

The new charges were aggravated attempt to flee or elude the police, along with the previous charges of aggravated battery, defacing the identification on a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm without a FOID.

If convicted of the most serious charge of aggravated battery, Simmons could face up to seven years in prison.

Lisa Miner, spokesperson for NIU, said Simmons was living in Stevenson North residence hall since classes began in August, but after the university learned about his criminal charges, he was banned from campus Monday night.

“Banned means per the university, he’s not to attend classes or be on campus until the student conduct review process is complete,” Miner said.

Montgomery ordered Simmons banned from NIU property as a condition of his release. He was released from DeKalb County Jail on his signature.

On Sunday evening, NIU police helped DeKalb police locate Simmons after they tried to pull him over in a Jeep, according to court documents. After searching his residence hall, NIU police located Simmons at Huskie Stadium and arrested him. Police found a Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun in his waistband with seven rounds in the magazine and the serial number filed off, according to court documents.

After being taken to the NIU police station, police said Simmons threw a chair against the wall, causing about $500 in damage. Paramedics were called to evaluate Simmons and, while trying to transport him, police said Simmons punched an NIU police officer with a closed fist, causing a bloody nose, according to court documents.